Town's drain shame

That's the question Graham Tigell is asking after watching overflowing and clogged drains for the last three months.

The long-term resident says the town's roadsides and drains were never as unkempt as they are today, and the lack of maintenance had become a hazard for both health and property.

Mr Tigell, who covers nearly 60km a day as the local school bus driver, took the Daily on a tour of Yandina's “shame file” drains last week.

Among the worst spots was a strip of stagnant water along School Road which was covered in green slime.

“The water's been sitting there since it rained before Christmas,” he said.

A drain along Low St appeared to be overgrown with grass and weeds, although a patch had recently been cleared after local residents highlighted the problem in the media.

Mr Tigell also pointed out the mud marks where roadside drains in Fleming St overflowed in wet weather.

“I ring up the council but you shouldn't have to ring them up to get things done,” he said.

A statement from the Sunshine Coast council said it was dealing with the three drains highlighted by Mr Tigell.

“The pondage along School Rd has been caused by works carried out by Energex installing new infrastructure. Council officers have contacted Energex prior to Christmas about this matter. They have apologised for their delay in actioning the remediation due to higher order commitments due to the flooding in South-East Queensland but hope to address these issues soon,” the council statement said.

“Queensland Rail have also been contacted and have met on site with council officers regarding the lack of drainage maintenance within their rail corridor, which is causing problems in Farrell Street. They acknowledge they're the cause of the problem. Council is awaiting their response as to a time frame to carry out works.

“The drain in Low Street mentioned in a recent Daily article is also now clear of vegetation.

“Lastly, with respect to the drainage issue in Fleming Street., private property owners have filled a previous water course causing flooding of the road. Council's drainage team are in the process of investigating all options to remedy this problem at the least cost to ratepayers. This matter is hoped to be resolved in the near future.”